Golf: Team Singapore looking to bounce back in 2015

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) is seeking to bounce back from the recent poor performance at the Myanmar SEA Games.

It’s aiming for a gold medal in 2015 when Singapore plays host to the next edition of the Games.

The target for Myanmar was a podium finish for Team Singapore golfers.

However, a meltdown on the second day of competition meant that the players managed only a fourth-place finish.

The team are now hoping to redeem themselves in 2015 when they will have vital home ground advantage.

This was clearly shown by the 2013 Games hosts, Myanmar, who clinched silver despite being the underdogs.

“It’s only a matter of time until the whole team will click together and I am still very optimistic that they will win gold at the next SEA Games — really that optimistic,” said Bob Tan, President of the Singapore Golf Association. “Because I think there is a lot more depth in the way they play the game and I think having it in Singapore is going to help.”

That aside, 25-year-old Jerome Ng, who was part of the team in Myanmar, said good strategy and strong technical skills are also important.

“We’ve got to increase our arsenal, increase our knowledge and diversify the amount of tools we have on the golf course,” he said. “And then experiment different game plans, different kind of shots and from there see whatever works best.”

More overseas training stints or competitions, like the upcoming Asian Games this year, could also help develop the team.

The SGA president is also hoping that the golf venue for the 2015 SEA Games is confirmed soon.

This will give the local golfers more time to train on the course and hopefully boost their chances of winning a gold medal.

Meanwhile, a new coach is also set to come on board to replace Australian Andrew Welsford, who stepped down after the 2013 SEA Games.
 

Golf: Team Singapore looking to bounce back in 2015